BlueDriver vs TOPDON vs ThinkDiag Scan Tools (Which is Best?)

[@RANDOMFIX]

App based scan tool Link to BlueDriver amzn.to/40DQ3fx ▶Link to my 2nd Recommendation amzn.to/49xbses ▶My Favorite Recommendation amzn.to/3FTpfhI ▶▶▶tablet-based standalone device ▶▶higher price point amzn.to/3QXXcUH ▶lower price point amzn.to/3FZNeMk ▶BlueDriver video kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipCkq6eJZ718gbs ▶Topdon Topscan Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/roObmKF8fJJ4jMU ▶ThinkDiag Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/mILLhmmriK9_q7s ▶Comparison Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3WcfWRmj99-n5I ▶Scan Tool vs App based device kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJPWdaewoLuJjLc ▶▶Other Related videos and products ▶ Recommended obd2 reader amzn.to/46e8pVC ▶ Why You Must Own a Original Equipment OE Level Scan Tool! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaPddpJ7a7ycrq8 ▶ 6-step drive cycle for emissions kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKO7gHSMoLBnaKc ▶ Permanent codes kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn7Ge6eZiLStms0

[@AutoCareCoach]

I wouldn't think that the BlueDriver is equivalent to a standard code reader like shown in the video because the blue driver shows most modules where a code reader typically shows ECM only. If you have BCM codes, TCM codes, etc. I have found that they show up in the all module scan in the BlueDriver. Just a thought, thanks for the video.

[@AmericanJustice22022]

Bluedriver was having a FlashSale on Amazon $79.95, I almost jumped on it but I didn't because I watched your video and agree 100% I already have a OBD2 Reader why do I need another one, my OBD2 Reader is old but it reads the codes just the same, I wish some of these others would offer some sort of Minimal update for DIYers, I would purchase a better tool but they all want $200-$300 a year for updates, I spoke to Autel, they told me $249.00 for updates and to maintain the warranty, for someone that only works on there own vehicles that amount isn't justified! I understand the Fee for mechanics that use it everyday but not for a DIYer. Thanks for the video

[@RANDOMFIX]

Yeah the yearly 250 from autel is a little extreme. You can buy a good unit that powered by autrl for less thank $350 and includes two years of services. There are lots of others that include 3 years of service with unit for $300. You do not need to renew with some unit and they will still work, you just won't get any updates.

[@jaygosch8705]

BlueDriver does much more than just a code reader. I had a $50 code reader from AutoZone which is fine for reading and clearing codes. But my 2015 Impala had a problem with traction control and I needed to know which wheel had a problem. The BlueDriver gave me the information so I didn't need to check the wiring and sensor on every wheel. It provides live data too and was helpful with my brother's BMW and a friend's RAV4. On the RAV4, you could push the accelerator, but the engine didn't speed up. I was able to view the throttle position sensor signal and confirm that the position was being read correctly. The problem turned out to be a blown fuse that happened right after jump starting. BlueDriver does lack the 2 way communication, so there are limitations, but it's still much more useful than a simple scan tool. BTW, it does show graphs and if you want to work with the live data in some computer program, you can capture live data and send it to your email, gdrive, etc. It has a bunch of options.

[@kellyanderson7115]

I bought my bluedriver back in 2019. Back then I didn't think it was that great. Recently when I connected it to my 2001 BMW 330xi it seemed to be vastly improved. It appears to read more modules than just the basic engine computer. It is kinda nice the way it links to useful info on the web like troubleshooting guides and recall data.

[@marcusjones9500]

Really appreciate your video. Saves techs like us lots of time and money

[@RANDOMFIX]

Glad to help you save time. I appreciate you taking the time to post your feedback.

[@jotu173]

First THANK YOU so much for making this RARE comparison video of these 3 items. I have had the BDriver since probably 2020-ish and have STRONGLY considered the other two ONLY for their Bi-Directional features. That being said, I have never really had an immediate need for it. Second, I have called BDriver on at least 3 seperate occasions and have gotten called back EVERY time (without fail). On at least 1 of the calls, they were stumped and said they would get back to me... and they did. So, in my book< you are ABSOLUTELY wrong about their phone support and, if you are a DIYer the phone suport is invaluable. I would be willing to bet money that you could never get phone support (or even email or chat support of any technical value) from the other 2. So there you have it...

[@RANDOMFIX]

Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your experience. I don’t doubt your experience and maybe when the product first came out they really tried to live up to hype but when I tried it at the end of 2023 I had the experience I mentioned in the video. Lifetime support is very long time and as the sales dwindle so will support. That’s my thought.

[@jotu173]

To be clear, I was able to get a return call from the company last year as well. I understand your thought process, but I have had CONSISTENTLY good support from the company (and I am picky).@@RANDOMFIX

[@mariaelmeier3927]

I got bluedriver back when chrisfix did a review. Never disappointed me.

[@n6dl321]

I have both the ThinkDiag2 and the TopScan to backup my Xtool D7. Updates seem to require the devices to be energized before the app's are happy but the D7 suffers no such limitation.

[@RANDOMFIX]

Nice thanks for sharing, I just got the thinkdiag 2 as well to try out. How do you like the thinkdiag 2?

[@ishanperusinghe]

which one do you recommned for home use. Thinkdiag / topscan. Can either do ad blue resets

[@RANDOMFIX]

@ishanperusinghe I would use the thinkdiag out of the three.

[@n6dl321]

@@RANDOMFIX lol, I just plug'd it in and it reports that it has expired.. most everything needs to be renewed. Since I totaled my 2018 traverse in Sept, and now have a 2023 it needs new code to match the new VIN. I will plug it into my 2005 Honda Element and see if it is still viable..or also needs renewal. Since the Xtool D7 has no such limitation I probably will not expend the funds for a pocket tool. Understand that vehicle modules are downloaded as needed since Smartphones don't always have much room to spare.

[@RANDOMFIX]

@n6dl321 yes, an actual scan tool is better setup and maybe cheaper in the long run.

[@LaffyGaffy69]

Damn the ending, now you got me so indecisive on all 3 lol. I have a 98 Mercury Grand Marquis

[@RANDOMFIX]

Are you having any issues mechanically? For 1998 grand marquis this is what I would get kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZjYmZyKm8yjfLMsi=N1y3IZayNJJjY6sD

[@LaffyGaffy69]

@@RANDOMFIX no, just wanted to do a scan and see if I get anything back

[@LaffyGaffy69]

@@RANDOMFIX I was thinking about the fox well nt301? It's on sale on Amazon right now

[@RANDOMFIX]

I would still got with I recommend, it’s under 30 dollars and it will pull basic obd2 data, live data, and I m readiness for smog. No need to rely on your phone and it’s full color.

[@RANDOMFIX]

@LaffyGaffy69 it’s just what like what I am recommending to but double the price even on the sales prices. Almost identical tools.

[@CL500MBZ]

I tried topscan on ten different Mercedes and none of them were detected properly. This is not compatible with benz. Contacted support over ten times but they just gave standard scripted responses in broken English with irrelevant suggestions. This does work with other makes that i tested. Just no good for benz.

[@anguslean4058]

You are on every topscan video I think you are a troll

[@jackjohnson9989]

Nice to see a provider highlighting both the useful features AND the limitations. The software with these, is it global? Bear in mind that though a scan tool says 'Asian', this could refer to Asian vehicles imported to the USA and compliant with mandatory USA specifications. Horse of another colour altogether. How do these phone based units perform on JDM cars? Code reader only ? Or can you extract live data and other useful info. Ps:- Guess its difficult for you to comment on right-hand drive vehicles. Don't even know if they are permitted to be imported into the USA.

[@08G8V8]

I got the topdon instead. Not gonna go for the one that left you stranded

[@RANDOMFIX]

Understood

[@WvMnts]

Thanks

[@RANDOMFIX]

Welcome

[@anguslean4058]

I have the TopScan and on a 2018 Mitsubishi outlander sport Se it was able to show me a permanent code that my ArtiDiag 800 BT did not show me So maybe it’s about the model as far as being able to show permanent codes.

[@RANDOMFIX]

Thanks for sharing about the topscan unit. I just wish they made pending codes data easier to find.

[@MudBone827]

My BlueDriver claims to be BiDirectional.

[@jws1883]

What is the red one with the chord in your video

[@RANDOMFIX]

Here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZjYmZyKm8yjfLM and the link is the video description.